Jobs at UN-Habitat

Competencies

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent);
• Have graduated with Bachelor's degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent
• Be computer literate in standard software applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter;
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
• Preferred areas of studies: Journalism, Communication, Public Relations, Social and Political Sciences, International Relations, Urban/Public Policy, Governance, Legislation, or other related fields, etc.
• In addition, successful applicants are expected to have demonstrated ability in one or more areas listed below: Possess strong writing skills; experience with speechwriting, academic writing, or reporting;
• Possess analytical skills; experience with research and/or familiarity with research methodologies is an advantage;
• Possess strong interests in local governance and local development and is self-motivated;
• Knowledge of design or web software such as the Adobe creative suite (e.g. Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop) is an asset;
• Ability to work and deliver outputs independently in a timely manner, with minimal supervision.

Work Experience

1. No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.
2. Added value you could bring to the work of the team is required.
3. Knowledge of localizing the SDG, and your opinion on the main challenges that local and regional governments are facing to implement the SDGs, especially in the area of reporting is desirable.
4. Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines, organize work, and how to coordinate work with team members is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

go to method of application »

Competencies

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent);
• Have graduated with Bachelor's degree, Masters, PhD or equivalent
• Be computer literate in standard software applications (Microsoft Office).
• Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter and the New Urban Agenda;
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
• Preferred areas of studies: Graduate or post-graduate studies related to Communications, Strategic Design and Management, Information Design, Web Development, Media Studies, Journalism, Public Relations, Design Thinking, or related areas. Any background in Urban Development or Innovation is a bonus.
• Experience and interest in communication and design technologies and (graphic) design software, including but not limited to: Adobe Creative Suites (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), ArcGIS, or other spatial data software, and experience in building websites is an asset.

Work Experience

• No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.
• Experience in graphic design and a link to your portfolio showing previous projects is required.
• Description of your creative process and innovation in terms of design is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

Assessment

• Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration.

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities

The consultant's main responsibility will be to advance the activities of UN-Habitat's SDG localization team, specifically in terms of knowledge management, global advocacy and events, and mobilization of partners.

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: Global advocacy and knowledge management

Responsibilities include:

•  Strengthen engagement of UN-Habitat's SDG Localization Team in major events
•  Plan, organize and implement sessions and workshops.
•  Prepare events' background material, including concept notes and agendas.
•  Identify speakers, coordinate invitations and mobilization of partners and participants towards the team's activities.
•  Facilitate UN-Habitat's senior management participation in event and advocacy processes
•  Revise knowledge products, key messages, and corporate material, facilitate alignment with the team's narrative on SDG Localization Partnership building with local, national, and global stakeholders

Responsibilities include:

•  Consolidate and advance partnerships with key stakeholders, and specifically with local and regional governments and their associations.
•  Facilitate the mobilization of partners towards UN-Habitat's work on SDG localization and identify opportunities for collaboration, specifically within advocacy and capacity building processes.
•  Liaise with UN-Habitat regional offices and country teams to mobilize local partners towards UN-led and international processes.

Qualifications/special skills

Competency:

• Planning and organization: Ability to work independently with a high degree of responsibility, in a flexible manner and under pressure.
• Communication: Excellent inter-personal communication and networking skills.
• Professionalism: Strong programme management, monitoring skills. Good coordination skills, with ability to handle multiple activities concurrently, work under pressure and to tight deadlines. Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to undertake complex research independently.
• Teamwork: Ability to participate effectively in teams of various expertise as well as organizations. The candidate should share credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings and should have a positive approach to work with consistent energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Academic Qualifications:

• University Degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, Urban Studies Social Sciences, Communications, Development Studies, or other relevant area is required.
• Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience on working on issues related to sustainable development, urban planning and local development is required. Working experience on Agenda 2030 and the local implementation of the SDGs will be highly valued.

Language: Fluency in English is mandatory for this specific consultancy. Knowledge of Spanish (written and oral) is an asset.